Why go

You do not go to Bermuda for hip bars or to seek the latest trends. But this island – the main of 181 in the Bermuda archipelago – has been a paradise since the 17th century, so you hardly need to go looking for what’s new. Assuming you make it past this British Overseas Territory’s infamous Triangle, you will find pink sand beaches, a rich maritime history, and excellent opportunities for golf, sailing, diving, and sports fishing.

With its literary connections – it was referred to by the poet Edmund Waller and Shakespeare made use of its discovery in The Tempest – and colonial heritage, Bermuda may not be cheap but it has a sure place in Britain’s history. The shops close on Sundays and neon lights and advertising billboards are forbidden. There is a certain pleasant formality to the island: conservative British attitudes abound, religion still plays an important role in people’s lives, and manners are held in high esteem.

The safe and clean beaches and parks are a draw for families. While there are things to see, there are not so many sights that time spent reading by the pool will feel too guilty a pleasure.

If you are looking to enjoy calm, blue seas and clean beaches in tasteful surroundings with a hint of Britain, Bermuda could well be an apt island choice.

When to go

You won’t get blazing temperatures on Bermuda, but you will get warm breezes and pleasant temperatures. Even in the winter months, the weather is mild and there is a high proportion of sunny days. In January and December, average minimum night-time temperatures are 15°C.

Although July and August offer the highest temperatures, this is also when hurricanes could hit the island, and when humidity levels may prove slightly uncomfortable. May and June have average maximum daytime temperatures of 27°C, with comfortable humidity rankings and comparable sunshine hours with the peak summer months.

Visitors can check storm progress in the hurricane season using weather.bm. If you do travel in hurricane season (June to November) most hotels offer a money-back guarantee should one come near.

There are also several major sporting events throughout the year: the Newport to Bermuda sailing race in June and the Cup Match Cricket Festival in August. The PGA Grand Slam of Golf will also be held on the island in 2014, dates TBC.

Getting there

BA has daily return flights to and from London Gatwick starting at £649. Flights land at Bermuda International Airport.

Getting around

Cars, scooters and bikes: Tourists are not allowed to drive in Bermuda, so car hire is not possible, although you will see drivers on the left, as in the UK.

However, tourists can hire scooters or pedal bikes (as they are known on the island, to differentiate them from motorised versions). Elbow Beach Cycles (00 1 (441) 296 2300; elbowbeachcycles.com) has pedal bikes for hire from $23 (£14) for three hours or $30 for one day, including helmets for all riders and passengers and secure locks.

The company also hires out electric and petrol scooters from $37 and $29 respectively for three hours, including helmets for all riders and passengers, a full tank of petrol or a fully-charged battery, secure locks, and driver instruction.

Smatt’s Cycles (00 1 (441) 295 1180; smattscyclelivery.com) is an alternative pedal bike and scooter hire company, with rates from $50 per 24 hours for a single seat scooter, including a full tank of petrol, helmet, map, instruction and insurance, or $55 for a pedal bike, inclusive of lock, helmet and map.

Buses: Buses on Bermuda are pink with blue stripes, so are fairly conspicuous. There are 11 bus routes on the island: most vehicles leave from the Central Terminal on Washington Street in Hamilton.

Note: passengers must have the correct change in coins. You can buy books of bus tokens (ask at your hotel) or obtain an Island Transportation Pass, available for one, three, or seven-day periods of unlimited use on buses and ferries. Buses are busy during morning and evening commuting hours, and at school turn-out time (around 3.30pm).

Ferries: There are four ferry routes around the island, all departing from the Ferry Terminal on Front Street in Hamilton. Cash is not taken, so ensure you have a transportation pass, ticket or token before boarding (ask your hotel about buying books of tokens).

Taxis: taxi drivers on Bermuda are often also very good tour guides, with thorough knowledge of island culture and landmarks. According to the Bermuda Tourist Board, all taxis are metered at government-set rates: current fares are $6.40 for the first mile for 1-4 passengers and $2.25 each additional mile, or $8.00 for the first mile for 5-6 passengers and $2.80 for each additional mile, for travel between 6:00 a.m. and midnight.

Taxis can readily be hailed from outside large hotels, near the airport or in the city of Hamilton.

Emergency numbers: Bermuda is a British Overseas Territory and there is no formal British diplomatic representation. Local authorities deal with requests for consular help.

Fire, police and ambulance services: 911

Local laws and etiquette

Bermuda is a friendly place, but is conservative in its outlook. Swim wear, low-cut tops and minuscule shorts should be worn at beach or swimming pool areas only. It is an offence to be seen in public topless, or wearing a bathing suit top, outside of beach areas.

It is forbidden to drink alcohol in public outside of licensed premises.